Hawai'i's last reigning monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani, was a symbol of courage and hope, a strong leader who suffered the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom and is still loved by her people.

Yesterday, large crowds turned out to mark what would have been the queen's 169th birthday and share in Hawaiian history at a daylong event on the grounds of 'Iolani Palace.

Organizers said more than 5,000 attended. The event doubled the previous attendance record for 'Iolani Palace tours for one day, with almost 3,000 taking the free tour offered by Friends of 'Iolani Palace and the Hawai'i Pono'i Coalition, the organizers said.
[...]
The festivities at the palace grounds, which drew Native Hawaiians, kama'aina and tourists, featured song, hula, prayer, food as well as the free tours of the palace, which served as the home — and for a time, the prison — of Lili'uokalani, who was born Sept. 2, 1838.

Some expressed heartfelt tribute to the queen, while others learned about her and Hawai'i's history. Some attendees promoted Native Hawaiian rights and programs, while others advocated Hawaiian sovereignty and lobbied against the Akaka bill.

In various ways, the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. celebrated the queen's life and her role in Hawai'i's history.